motivational coach sheli G

Posts tagged ‘Self Help’

Twenty years ago, I watched phenomenal facilitators work with people in human development. I studied and listened in awe while they, as we say in Personal Development Land, “processed” their students. These facilitators or coaches would do focused work with the students, from the students point of tension, pain or confusion. The facilitator would guide them, as the student was willing, to the other side, or at least help them to take some real some steps forward. This experiential learning is profound in both business settings, or personal growth.

I was amazed.

It was incredible to see these coaches real-time, and watch as their intuitive hits rang spot on, nearly every time they spoke. What?? Yes.

In my naiveté I wondered… how do they know? How do they see what’s behind the mask of emotion, the story, the walls, or the rhetoric? How did they know that person was ready to finally breakthrough or scale? Now, I know.

It’s a calling.

Sounds spiritual. And…I believe it is. When you step into your calling, purpose or cause, the greatest parts of you are unlocked and ignited. Your intuitive or spiritual self combines with your ability, education and effort. When you find the thing or things that you were created to do, if you’re aware, you know.

And then there’s the final key to mastery, time. You can’t quick-link to that level of mastery simply from text books, teachers and mentors. You can’t metabolize quotes, information or inspiration, such that you can just propel it forward into others, with spot on timing and nearly flawless delivery.

When someone who isn’t ready attempts a mastery level role, their students or employees won’t find as much value.

The gold, magic and pure power of experience, collaborates to bring all your raw talent and passion together. It’s hard to articulate if you’ve never experienced it yourself.

I studied hard. I was trained, mentored, and certified in personal development and business consulting. #serialentrepreneur I worked and I served for countless hours. Years of being a committed, consistent student, working from where I was, both failing and succeeding along the way… and yet reaching for mastery. Those are the touchstones of my capacity to deliver my work today. And I just adore what I do.

The Big Mistake…
Is- skipping parts of this rights-of-passage process, because of impatience, poor mentoring, ego or entitlement. To be exceptional, your mastery levels must always be humbly, earned.

Don’t skip any part of the perfect process that these elements will bring to your practice, cause or calling. The old truth of 10,000 hours of experience, or something like that, truly is the golden key that brings your vision to fruition.

The Secret
Humility reminds you to take the journey, with no shortcuts. Humility… when you know that there is so much yet to learn about, experience and understand. And when you reach a mastery level, you will know. But, you will still make mistakes. And you won’t think of the epic successes as yours, but they will belong to your clients, and those you mentor.

And as you continue, more humility greets you with the kiss of knowing, that we are all equally called to greatness. No one is ever bigger or smaller in the circle. It’s not about Race. Geography. Gender. Profession. Religion. The big difference is, only some say yes to the call.

Who can forget this totally legit, classic movie? (Although the Wicked Witch STILL freaks me out!)

Well, there is so much more behind Dorothy’s story than we all knew! Never fear, I can fill you in from here…

You see, Dorothy had a whole BUNCH of common ailments she was privately struggling with. She thought if she ran away from home, this would cure everything. She struggled with things like:

Depression, Anxiety, Panic attacks, Insomnia, Headaches, Allergies and more. She couldn’t take all her overwhelming symptoms anymore, so off she went to distract herself from these issues, and find someplace “Over The Rainbow” to see if she would feel better there!

Upon landing in OZ, besides having a headache, feeling terribly jet-lagged and sore, Dorothy was immediately seized by sneezing, coughing…. allergies! They were much worse in OZ, unfortunately. (so many flowers were blooming there!)

Soon Dorothy’s depression was escalating again, and her anxiety attacks were really coming on! Lucky for Dorothy, she met Scarecrow! Scarecrow was so sweet, and helped distract Dorothy from her own problems, especially when she noticed how screwed up he was too! YES! She was not alone. He also had Allergies and Anxiety, but Scarecrow often struggled with feeling like he had no brain! In truth, he DID have a brain, but sadly he couldn’t focus, he was so easily distracted! He was also really hyper sometimes, and it made learning and just sitting still difficult. One time, some bullies pulled him completely apart! He had Arthritis pains and inflammation from his injuries. So they set off together, hoping that the Wizard of Dr. Oz Dorothy had heard about could help. He apparently was some big, important dude, who claimed he could magically fix anyone.

Soon they bumped into Tin Man. Ironically, Tin Man ALSO seemed sad and in fear, because he thought he had no heart. He had been taking a medication that left him feeling numb instead of better. “Jeepers, is everyone a mess or what?” Dorothy thought. Tin Man also had many aches, pains, rust and mold from being stuck in one position for so long, out in the rain. He had many bug bites that were also bothersome. PLUS, he was so dirty and smelly from not being cleaned for so long. He too needed much help! He joined the adventure to go see Dr. Oz. The Tin Man had Googled Dr. Oz, and the reports on him were both favorable and grandiose, AND quite negative and debatable. There was also great controversy over who was funding Dr. Oz, and the “solutions” he so quickly handed out to all who came.

Now the Wicked Witch was sent from a large covert agency, protected at the highest levels, to cause all kinds of grief and challenges for Dorothy and her friends. She would spray horrible pesticides on all the flowers and food she could find, which polluted everything, and made the people sick. She would give out medicines to “cure” the people of their ailments, but alas, many would become more sick, or even die from the side affects. She was truly evil indeed.

The uplifting news was, Glenda, the Good Witch, also appeared from time to time. She smelled wonderfully of Lavender and Sandalwood, which calmed Dorothy and her friends down immediately. She always seemed happy and grounded, (plus her skin was so dang perfect!) Dorothy and her friends were very impressed by her. Glenda always gave Dorothy and her friends hope, that there were answers they would certainly find as they stayed on the sometimes difficult journey of discovery.

Then Dorothy, Scarecrow and Tin Man met Lion. Dorothy soon realized her panic attacks were small-scale compared to Lion’s! He had so much fear, he couldn’t stop shaking. He rarely went out to meet people, and always ran away when he thought challenge was near! He couldn’t keep any job. He was even more depressed than the rest of them, crying all the time! He also had scar tissue from a bad fight (with his wife), and Diabetes. Lion had always eaten too much processed sugar and artificial dyes, given to him largely from the Wicked Witch in her candy and treats. They were all poisons. “Good grief, MOST of us have issues, don’t we?” Dorothy exclaimed. This started another crying fit from Lion, and so the crew set out to finally meet Dr. Oz, hoping he truly would have all the answers they so desperately needed!

When they reached Dr. OZ, there was a sign on his door: “We no longer take most insurances. You must pay BIG cash for all solutions given out here. I am out to lunch and then golfing for a week or two in Hawaii, come back later. For emergencies, call 911”

Well, Dorothy and her Motley Crew were devastated. They intuitively knew all along, that it had all sounded too good to be true.

Just then, they smelled sweet Lavender and Sandalwood… “Glenda!” They all shouted out in glee! “We are in trouble! We have so many problems that are keeping us from enjoying life! What can you do to save us from all our symptoms?”

Glenda smiled. “You three have always had what you needed to be well, you just needed to realize that someone else cannot heal you with their “magic”, only you can do that.” Dorothy and her friends were confused. “Only we can do that? But how?”

“Well, now that you are ready and open to listen to this, Dorothy! God gave you some killer Diva Ruby Pumps girl! If you click your heels three times, they will activate some amazing pure essential Oils to come out of Tin Man’s oil can. These oils have many, if not all the answers for your ailments, symptoms, emotional imbalances and then some. Ready to give them a try? They are all natural, so they cannot hurt you, only help you. I too used to suffer from depression, but not anymore”. “YOU?!! Depressed?!!” Dorothy and crew said in total shock and amazement. (They had always thought Glenda was on Crack, or something that made her happy all the time.)

“What have we got to lose” They all exclaimed! Dorothy clicked on her Ruby Pumps three times…

Then it was full of Frankincense, one of the most powerful oils of all time, which helped all their aches, pains, inflammation, confusion, wrinkles, fatigue, infections, pre-cancerous cells and SO much more.

Next is always a crowd favorite, Deep Blue. It instantly provided pain relief from sore achy muscles and joints, plus began the longer healing process with all their former injuries. Heavenly!

Then came Purify and On Guard oils to clean and disinfect their bodies, shoes and clothes. Dorothy was so glad to know she could clean her whole house and car with no toxic fumes for her or Toto to inhale. Ahhhhh.

There is so much more… but you get the idea. *Along with a healthy organic diet, lots of filtered water, exercise and good rest, and pure essential oils are another incredible solution to thousands of issues we all face every day.

Please like and share if this can help someone else, or someone you love. BE WELL!!!

It’s my birthday, so I am (trying) to do what I think I should, and what everyone on Facebook says I should: Be spoiled, pampered, relax, enjoy my day.

But to me, as with any true Entrepreneur, this is….weird, awkward…. (and super hard!)

I wake up at 5 or 6AM if I sleep in, and begin to pray and meditate about my day. Then my brain takes over: What logistics do I need to handle? Phone calls, meetings, articles to write, stuff to follow up on, blog! Then on to what really matters: Who do I need to connect with today? Who needs help, support, encouragement, education, tips, inspiration, a warning, a scripture, honesty, strategy, a referral, consultation, counsel, challenge, or love?

And of course there are my three kids, Tyger 14, Teisha 7 and Trae 5. They keep me very busy, laughing, growing and challenged. Then there is my husband… aka my other kid 🙂

Did I mention my three dogs? Yep (ask my kid of a husband about how we got 3) Honey, Hurley and Belle.

And the house. Oh, the many (many) many to do’s that are always lurking within.

Family, Charity, Business, Ministry…. time for me? That is just silly talk- usually. Many Entrepreneurs do much of their work from a home office these days. So the boundaries are hard to draw. Everywhere we look, the desk, computer, the house… the freakin yard (yikes) it all begs to be tended to. Like most small business owners, I have to seriously prioritize, attack, and then release at the end of the day what I have not yet achieved.

But alas, when I facilitate Strategic Business or Breakthrough Life Coaching with a client, I always tell them to make sure they are blocking out time for them! To rejuvenate, relax, think, pray, laugh, eat, heal. Hmmmmmm.

So today is my birthday. (I know, I repeated that…I am really just reminding myself) I normally totally ignore my birthday, and just do work and life as per usual.

SOooooo I am blogging, eating potato chips with coffee, going to go back to bed for a couple of hours and watch an action movie I have wanted to watch but have not had (made) time for. I am going to listen to ridiculously good music. I am going to pet my adorable dogs. I am going to not worry so much about my long list of to do’s, should do’s, and my longer list of people I so want to help support in some way. When I come back (tomorrow) I will be REIGNITED! Y E S!

Dogs are amazing. They innately know some things that we as Leadersdeserve to observe and implement about business, and people.

5) If you smell, it’s time for a bath.

Good hygiene and grooming are very important in business. No matter what business you are in, you need to avoid offending people with how you look or smell. Every business has a dress code or culture to follow with great variances. But whatever that code is, be the best in your field. For Leaders and Business Owners wanting to gain clients, there are some keys to your best look:

~ Keep Hair clean, cut and up to date on style. (if you don’t know, go to a salon that knows and get them to help you or at least affirm or debate what you think is a good style/cut)

~ Clothes should ALWAYS, in all ways, be clean, pressed, and be the right SIZE. (when you gain or lose weight, get the new size. Tight on cash? Go thrifting or Ebaying for great deals)

~ Shoes always need to be polished, by you or someone. (unpolished shoes send all kinds of negative messages to your boss, clients etc)

~ Shower daily. Yep.

~ Teeth & breath need to be clean. (if you smoke and or drink coffee, brush after or use a mint or mouthwash please)

4) If you bark loudly and/or often, you will struggle with people- often.

As an extroverted person myself, I learned this important lesson: There is a difference between your inside voice and your outside voice. (If you don’t know what I mean, get a coach or mentor to explain) 🙂

We all make mistakes. It’s called being human. Let 99% roll off, and work out the rest. Save your energy for your work goals… avoid the drama!

2) Train them up in the way they should go.

Dogs act exactly how their owner trains them to. So do people. Be accountable as a Manager, Leader or Business Owner. Train them correctly, support them adequately, and they will succeed. If they don’t, they need more training and support, perhaps more than just by you. Bring in a neutral, objective Business and Life Coach. (*Hint- if your whole team is not acting as you would like them to, it’s not the individuals, it’s the system, the leadership, or both.)

1) The best dogs are irreplaceable.

And so are great people. They are not expendable.

~ Get really good people in the RIGHT job for them. *No one succeeds long-term in the wrong position. (which means YOU need to find, screen and place or transfer them well)

~ Train and support them exceptionally well in business, and their life. (they are not neatly separated with walls as we would like to think)

~ And above all, encourage and affirm their strengths.We get a lot of negative. We need to know what IS working about what we are doing, which propels us to do that more.

Employees, partners or associates will be very loyal to you, as you create and maintain a healthy, positive business culture for them to thrive in.

It’s the toughest question since the recession. People still spend their money and time. Opportunities are bombarding us from every angle more than ever. From the people around us, to our online activity, to our cell phones bringing all our contacts and options to us 24/7… it’s endless. (until you shut it DOWN) 🙂

Business owners DO still need to invest in themselves, and their businesses to adapt, and move forward at the speed of the culture and their own dreams. This will never change.

SO- where do the people you want to be like when you “grow up”, or go to your next LEVEL UP hang out? What are they doing? What is working for them? What challenges you about your business and your life right now, and who knows how to navigate that? Who has been there and has some keys?

Forget about the places that we used to network at. (at least re-think them. ALL of them.)

Forget about business and activity that doesn’t result in either a direct deposit to your bottom line, or you truly developing as a leader and a person. Forget about the things you have always done in the past, or were committed to, or served on the board of (or committee of, yikes) … if they are not serving you anymore, or you just know it’s time for the new. Forget about places, people and events, if you leave them unmoved, unchanged, and drained.

Go where inspiration, innovation and collaboration COLLIDE… at sometimes even an alarming rate! Have some adrenaline charged fun expanding, challenging yourself and others, and hanging out with the passionate, driven people making their visions a tangible reality today. Life is urgent and precious. What legacy are you leaving behind if you drifted away in your sleep tonight?

Start living the bucket list NOW. You were given your visions and dreams because God thought YOU were the one to set them free and see them through. Prove him right.

We have all heard of them. IF you have not been in a GREAT one, you are missing an incredible amount of opportunity to expand yourself, your business, and your INCOME- in record time.

What is a Mastermind? (just a room full of superegos?)

I am glad you asked. A GOOD mastermind is not about stroking egos. (unless that is the intention of the group)

A Mastermind by definition is: a person who grows, makes or invents things, someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality, a person who plans and directs skillfully. In a Mastermind group or team, you simply add the collective to this, *which significantly amplifies the results. (YES!)

Collaboration is: to work jointly with others especially in an intellectual endeavor. Collaboration is the key to unlocking objective, exponential ideas, unlimited resources, power connections and critical information.

What’s the best Mastermind Team for me?

You deserve to be a part of a Mastermind team that has something in common with you and where you are going, or what your highest intention is. Are you just wanting a free, casual, non-accountable group? Or a higher level one where the members expect real, tangible growth? There is no right or wrong here, but there is a big difference.

There are different kinds of groups which can be brilliantly collaborative, like: Entrepreneurs, Sales, Marketing, Start Ups, Christian Business Owners, Women’s groups and Men’s groups. Sometimes the varying backgrounds can be a massive opportunity to support one another and get support, since we all know our strengths and challenges, and develop a well oiled reciprocating system that pays huge dividends.

The Leader of the Mastermind

Listen- your Mastermind will be as good as it’s leader. Period.

The Best Mastermind groups are run by leaders who have 1) Achieved measurable, obvious success in the area they are facilitating! 2) Have a proven system in place from start to finish that efficiently guides all the brainpower in the room (otherwise it’s chaos) 3) A never-ending desire to grow themselves and 4) A desire to genuinely help their students with compassion and truth in their journey.

Objectivity

The good news is: Mastermind groups that are working WELL are objective, and sometimes even brutally honest. The truth is, you may not always like what you hear. You may hear things like: “Your website sucks- and Aunt Margaret should NOT have created it for you.” You may hear that your power point presentation puts people to sleep. You may hear that your attire or professional appearance needs an update (asap). You may hear that you need to spend more money to make more money. In fact, the high level Mastermind groups cost significant money. AND- they are worth it.

The good news is: you DESERVE to hear the objective feedback, both nice and not, to expand and grow yourself and your income rapidly, which is why most of us are in a Mastermind group.

The other good news is: you will receive a tremendous amount of affirmation about your strengths, gifts and abilities, perhaps even in areas you did not have on your radar before!

Got Results?

It’s like a Purse (or a Murse if you are a man), YOU GET OUT OF IT WHAT YOU you YOU PUT INTO IT. Period. There is no magic pill or cliffs-notes here. If you cheat- you cheat yourself, as well as the group. So doing the risk-taking goal setting, the homework, the calls, the meetings, and spending the time, money, energy… and risking questioning everything you are currently doing- ready to let go of what you need to… all of that makes this game really work. So it ain’t for the weary, the victims, the overly prideful or the frauds.

The Bottom Line.

IF you do all the work, and truly play to win on every level, you will be absolutely thrilled with what you get out of it. And, MORE importantly in the big picture, you will love the giving. What can you offer and give to others? You have unique skills, strengths, gifts, and experiences. In the end, we feel the best when we give to and serve others. This is still a key to why most people who we deem “successful” got where they are. It’s not all about you.

Email me if you are interested in a mastermind, we will find you a compatible one, Let’s SCALE!

The amount of Life and Leadership Coaching clients who are asking me about how to CRUSH IT with JOB INTERVIEWS has spiked. SO many people are looking for work. Not only the unemployed are seeking, but those who are looking to “Level Up” in their career and life to a premium job or workplace. If you are not happy where you are, don’t wait. *Go after what you really want, or someone else will.

So from my clients TOP QUESTIONS about interviews, I created:

7 tips to a SMOKIN HOT INTERVIEW.

#7 Dress for Your Total SUCCESS.

Yes- It’s still true, you absolutely need to. We have a lot of “Business Casual” dress going around these days. BUT seriously, level up! Dress one notch above anyone else interviewing. You are not hired yet- so don’t take any liberties. Be conservative, unless you are an artist, rock star, or there is an industry specific attire that is required for them to think you are cutting edge-hip. You deserve to do your homework about the company, and the actual person interviewing you if possible. Find them on Facebook and LinkedIn, as well as their company web site too. Try to go in personally to the company before the interview, to see what they are wearing, and get the vibe of the organization. Ask someone in the industry if you are new to the industry. Go to their website and see if there are any real pictures of their employees actually working or at events. Getting insider information can give you an edge. Also remember: The Psychology of the colors you wear will communicate volumes. A Banker will dress differently than an Elementary School Teacher, or a Super Model etc. *Choose intentionally.

Red= is a very strong, “power” color. It is a noticeable color that is often used on caution and warning signs. It is often associated with stop or “beware”. It’s a hot color that evokes a powerful emotion of passion, lust, sex, energy, blood and war. Wearing accessories in Red is a more conservative bet. Ex: A Red Tie, Red Shoes or handbag.

Orange= is a combination of Red and Yellow. It is also a bright and warm color. It represents fire, the sun, fun, warmth and tropical images. It is considered a fun light color that has appetizing qualities to it. Orange increases oxygen supply to the brain and stimulates mental activity. It is appreciated among young adults and teens.

Green= is the color of nature and health. It also represents growth, money, fertility and safety.

Blue= is a cool calming color that shows creativity and intelligence. It is a popular color among large corporations, hospitals and airlines. It is a color of loyalty, strength, wisdom and trust. Blue has a calming effect on the psyche.

Purple= combines the stability of blue and the energy of red. Throughout history purple has been associated with royalty, nobility and prestige. It symbolizes mystery, magic, power and luxury.

White= is often associated with being pure, clean, fresh and good. (It also shows every dirty spot, so it’s bad if Lasagna is for lunch)

Black= is often a color used to portray something evil, depressing, scary or even death in western civilization. It has negative imagery with it at times such as “black mail” “black list” “black hole” etc. Black is also a very powerful color that portrays one of class elegance and wealth. Black is best when worn as an accessory.

#6 Be ON TIME.

*which means be 15-25 minutes early, ready to interview

So many people don’t do this. 1 minute late is LATE, and so is 10 minutes or 5. Plan for the traffic accident, snowstorm, last minute phone call etc. If you plan to be early, then you can manage a time-crisis that comes up. Otherwise you may be late or rush in, looking stressed out at the last moment, and not be prepared or grounded to WOW your interviewer. Being early not only sets you apart, it allows you to get yourself mentally prepared for the interview as you wait, and impress them with your professionalism. *If you are not committed to being there early for the interview, when you should be courting them…how will you show up when they hire you? It becomes their risk.

#5 Research the Industry and Company.

You should know what and who you are applying for. What kind of business did they do last year? Did they change their logo? Who are the Executives? Are they involved with the community? Are they traded on the stock market? Who is the CEO? The Founder? What do their employees say about them? What does the BBB say about them? Google, LinkedIn, Facebook and word of mouth should tell you a lot. This is more than most of your lazy competition will do. It will prepare you to, at the right time, compliment the company to the interviewer. For example: “I did see that your ROI was up 17.4% last year, so that is exciting! What do you attribute that too?” *You will impress them!

#4 It’s JUST not an employer directed Q&A.

*it just appears to be one, and might be if you don’t interrupt that train.

If you are confident in who you are and what you bring to a team, then you should ALSO be interviewing the company you are talking to. When there is a window, and as it is appropriate, by all means ask about the vision of the company! Ask where they see the company in 1 or 5 years etc. Ask what impact it has had on the community. Take that time to reveal some of the research you should have done on them, and show your knowledge, intelligence and commitment to getting this job. And as you are asked questions, answer them very intentionally! If you are asked, “Did you like your last job” Do not say “Yes”. They are fishing. Answer: “Yes I really did. It challenged me in many ways, and expanded my knowledge of our customer, and how to prepare a presentation for them to meet their unique needs…” Take the stage when you answer! Not over the top like an ego maniac. But it’s your time to tell them why they should hire YOU! Why are you the best fit? Or why will they like you over 10 other applicants that have the same or better credentials? What sets you apart? Make it real. Make it personal. Make it strike a chord. CONNECT. *Be a person, not a resume.

#3 Use FRESH WORDS.

“The truth is…” “I like to think outside of the box…” “The Early bird gets the worm…” “I like to empower others…” Blah Blah blah. These and others have been OVERUSED. So don’t recycle them-again. Say something NEW, unique and energetic, that conveys the essence of what you really want to communicate.

If you want to say “The truth is…” to convey that you are honest and straightforward, say instead: “Here is the truth about where I am at on this at my very core, I value people tremendously, each one for their unique story and purpose…” Be real, specific, conversational not scripted, and be memorable!

If you want to say …”I want to be a good loyal member of your team” say instead “I too have a vision. I know from the research I conducted about XYZ company, that I am truly in alignment with where you are going, what you intend to create, and I am confident I am one of your dynamic players in the future, in helping to make that vision come alive in the months and years to come.” *Be yourself, but be INSPIRING!

#2 Don’t get TRAPPED.

The interview serves two purposes: 1) Find your best candidates (this may take several rounds of interviewing) and 2) Weed out immediately those who are not the best

To make it past the first round you have to do all of the above- and do it well. Most people make up their minds about us quickly, between 30 seconds and 3 minutes. You better pull out your best remarks and answers early on. That is the one of the first primary interview tests, after you pass dress, being on time, and greeting them properly. (firm, confident but warm handshake with a smile)

When they ask you: “What did you like about your last job” again, this is your time to shine! Be warm, be sincere, be specific. Show them who you are above the resume paper! AND then when they ask you what you “Didn’t like about the job” lookout…this can be another huge trap. If you speak about the WORST part about your last job, beware. Your whole energy, facial and body expression, tone of voice and story will be negative and toxic. They will begin to imagine you upset with them, and wonder what nasty remarks you will make about their company company. Not good. Also it’s not professional to bag on a company or past manager etc. So what CAN you do? Pick a MUCH LESSER challenge that occurred. If your #1 was that you didn’t like the overall atmosphere you worked in, don’t say that. Pick something else like: “Our company was not very involved in community events and charities. I noticed when researching XYZ company, that you gave the school district a car last month to help them raise funds for their athletic program. I think companies that support the community and create positive change, are the companies that will last and be the best places to be a part of long-term.” You’ve now said something truthful, but not ugly. Your energy didn’t turn toxic as you shared, you were still personable and positive. *You have also complimented your new prospective company. Very smart.

#1 For the love of all that is good…. FOLLOW UP.

People used to call after an interview to see if they got the job. In fact, when I owned a mortgage business with three locations, I NEVER called the candidates back after the interview. I told them I would. But if they didn’t follow-up with me, I assumed they didn’t want the job, they weren’t assertive enough for me, or they were just not good at follow-up,which is imperative to most jobs. (that is a test)

If you can, go in IN PERSON to follow-up. If not, then call. If you cannot call the company, then email. Email is a last resort. Everyone emails. Everyone has a box full of emails to drudge through daily. Be different. Level up. Do the best form of follow-up communication you possibly can. Outshine your competition while they send a boring email, using the old recycled language. (yawn) Be professional, but again be energetic, memorable, and include a great picture.